A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cumberland Island National Seashore vs. Victoria for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a secluded, undeveloped, and untouched island. With stunning beauty, Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking. See Cumberland Island National Seashore travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a scenic, relaxing, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Victoria travel costs.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options


Is there more to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Victoria than Cumberland Island National Seashore, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Victoria is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Victoria is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is known for its colonial buildings and public parks. Also, Victoria is famous for Butchart Gardens. Cumberland Island National Seashore is well known for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Victoria and Cumberland Island National Seashore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Victoria

Victoria is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its sights and museums.

Victoria is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers a few options for museum-goers. There aren't any museums on the island, but on the mainland there's a visitor center as well as the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum.


Is the Food Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Victoria

Victoria is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Victoria. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Most people don't head to Cumberland Island National Seashore for a culinary experience, but it does have restaurants to choose from. There are no restaurants on the island, so you need to pack any food that you might need before you arrive.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Victoria

Victoria is a popular place for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Victoria has a few options to choose from. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

People don't go to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the nightlife. Stargazing is amazing on the island, but you're left to your own devices when it comes to evening entertainment options.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Victoria

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are 17 miles of pristine beaches along the island. You'll also find wild horses and miles of hiking trails. Swimming is popular, but do take note that there are no lifeguards on the island.

Victoria is not a beach destination.


Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Victoria

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an amazing island to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find more than 50 miles of hiking trails on the island. They pass through a number of ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, and beaches. Most visitors come for the day and spend most of their time on the Southend of the island. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of hiking trails. Some of the most popular trails are Dungeness Roadways, River Trail, and Nightingale Trail.

Victoria is a good destination for hiking. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Victoria

Victoria is a popular place for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Victoria. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Cumberland Island National Seashore has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There aren't any shops or stores on the island so plan accordingly.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria More Beautiful?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Victoria

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts visitors from all around. The barrier island has 17 miles of pristine beaches. It offers a truly beautiful setting that feels undiscovered and untouched.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria Better for Families?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Victoria

Victoria is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Victoria is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the hiking trails, coastline, and wildlife, the island also has junior ranger programs and educational experiences for kids.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Victoria

With fun activities for couples, both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Victoria make for a superb place to visit.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will appreciate the pristine coastline, beautiful wildlife, and secluded hiking trails. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but it's also possible to stay at one of the island's campgrounds. For a truly romantic experience you could also stay at the Greyfield Inn.

Victoria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Victoria

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cumberland Island National Seashore. Backpackers appreciate the secluded and pristine atmosphere. There are miles of hiking trails as well as campgrounds on the island for those who want to stay overnight.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.


Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Victoria

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Victoria both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cumberland Island National Seashore. The only way to the island is by ferry. It leaves from the town of St. Marys and advanced reservations are recommended.

Public transit is generally limited in Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria a more walkable city?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Victoria

Victoria is a great city for its walkability. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its high level of walkability.

Victoria is very walkable. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a somewhat walkable place. There are many hikes on the island, but the whole island is 18 miles long, making it difficult to walk in one day. Many visitors spend their time near the campgrounds where there's the highest concentration of hiking trails. This area is known as Sea Camp.

For even more information, also check out Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Worth Visiting? and Is Victoria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Victoria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cumberland Island National Seashore, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

Families should spend more time in Victoria than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Victoria, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Victoria than Cumberland Island National Seashore. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Victoria that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Victoria if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cumberland Island National Seashore.


  • How many days in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 1-3 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria?

The beautiful island of Cumberland Island National Seashore offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Victoria, you'll find nightlife and food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A weekend in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cumberland Island National Seashore, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Victoria for a weekend. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Victoria is a popular place to visit. The relaxing city of Victoria offers shopping and museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Victoria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cumberland Island National Seashore Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $175
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Cumberland Island National Seashore is $175, while the average daily cost in Victoria is $201. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $75
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $150
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Cumberland Island National Seashore and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cumberland Island National Seashore


Hotels in Victoria


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $59
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria

Also for Victoria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Cruise Transfer with City Sightseeing Tour: $682
  • Victoria to Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $289
  • Private Transfer from Victoria City Hotels to Nanaimo Cruise Port: $130
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $77
  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Cumberland Island National Seashore change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $65
    Victoria $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Victoria

For Victoria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour with Tastings: $86
  • Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: $88
  • Vistas and Views Food Tour with 3-Course Meal: $100
  • Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour: $144
  • Gourmet Dinner Tour Including Local Beer, Wine and City Highlights: $219

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $23
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Victoria

For Victoria, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 60-Minute Beacon Hill Park Tour: $227
  • 60-minute Haunted Halloween Tour: $227
  • 75-Minute The Royal Tour: $279
  • Beacon Hill Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Experience in Victoria: $227
  • Butchart & Beyond: The Grand Victoria Tour: $355
  • COMBO Victoria City Tour & Butchart Gardens & Entry Tix: $104
  • Chinatown and Hidden Alleys Pedicab Tour: $92
  • Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour: $88
  • East Sooke Park Coastal Hiking Tour with a Bite and Beer: $128
  • Eat Like a Canadian Food & Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • From Vancouver: Victoria Tour with Ferry & Butchart Gardens: $186
  • From Whale Watching Tour by Zodiac Boat: $136

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $25
    Victoria $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Victoria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Victoria:

  • Victoria BC: Tour & Tasting Around Award Winning Distillery: $21
  • Pickle Pub Crawl: Ferry Rides and Appetizers: $52
  • Local Brewery Tour with a Guide: $86
  • Victoria, BC: Food & Wine Tour to the Cowichan Valley: $118
  • 6-Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour: $126
  • Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie: $132
  • Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour : $143
  • Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $474


When comparing the travel costs between Cumberland Island National Seashore and Victoria, we can see that Victoria is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Victoria. Most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 82°F (28°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Cumberland Island National Seashore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Victoria. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 82°F (28°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Victoria. The autumn months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 70°F (21°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Victoria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Victoria. In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less rain than Victoria. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 53°F (12°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 68°F (20°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 68°F (20°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)